Polymer Science Experiment
I highly suggest explaining polymers to kids with this easy, colorful polymer chemistry experiment.
Start by getting one diaper (any brand/size).
Next pull out half of the inside lining of the diaper and put it in a cup.
Add water and watch as the polymers in the diaper lining absorb the water.
The word polymer means a long chain of molecules. In this experiment the water molecules were combined with the polymer in the diaper lining. This is what makes diapers swell when full, and keeps the moisture off the babies bottoms.
Just like in our other easy, colorful polymer science experiment we put salt on the polymer (fluffy diaper lining that has absorbed the water). Salt breaks the bonds and you will see liquid start to separate, not as much as in our other experiment - but it does break the bond all the same.
We decided to explore how swim diapers are different. We pulled out the lining just like with with original experiment. We noticed the texture was different (no grainy balls, but more like thick wipes).
We poured in water and watched. we discovered there were no polymers in swim diapers. It was absorbent, but did not bind together to get rid of the liquid like in regular diapers. So salt, had no effect.
What we deduced was swim diapers wouldn't work well in water as they absorb way too much liquid around them and two, the salt (or chemicals) when kids swim would break apart the polymer bond and cause the liquid (pee) to seep into the water.
HINT: So when you take your little ones to the pool or beach this summer, make sure you change those swim diapers frequently because all the waste material is sitting against their bottoms AND can the liquid can easily seep out into the water.
